Things to Take Note of During 180 Goalless Minutes at Merlo Field

By: Sean | March 27th, 2009

For the second Friday night in as many weeks, the Portland Timbers continued their pre-season warm-up with another friendly on Merlo Field at the University of Portland’s Clive Charles Soccer Complex. This contest against the Pilots ended 0-0, much like the contest just seven nights earlier against the NY/NJ Red Bulls [Reserves]. Despite the dearth of goals, there was still plenty to take note of during the two matches…

Timbers keeper Steve Cronin started back on the 20th against the Red Bulls and, despite not having a whole lot to do, still did it well and picked up the clean sheet. Brian Visser got the nod for tonight’s match against the Pilots but was injured in the 31st minute during a collision with UP’s Collen Warner. Cronin came in and again, lacking a whole lot to do, collected the second shutout in a row. Visser received a gash over his eye and I later heard one of the University security personnel saying somebody was getting stitches, which I assumed was him.

UP’s sophomore All-West Coast Conference First Team forward Frankie Lopez is really fast.

Alex Nimo moved the ball very well on the right side after his introduction in the second half. His dribbling gave the fans–both Timber and Pilot–a lot to get excited about and provided good service to the middle from the wing position. His family and cheering section is pretty awesome, too.

Trialist Takuro Nishimura started again at left fullback and put in another reliable performance for 75 minutes before being substituted by defender David Hayes, who arrived in Portland this week. Nishimura even managed a shot from distance late in the first half and frankly, you gotta love it whenever one of your backs gets a pop on frame.

The Timbers wore their new black alternate kits for the first time this season. They look pretty damn sharp.

Pilots keeper Austin Guerrero, all-league honorable mention, made eight saves and got really busy late in the first half, but held his own and earned a clean sheet for himself.

No matter how hard you try, you will never get a penalty call in a preseason friendly. Similarly, if you are the goalkeeper and you are holding the ball a half yard outside the box, you will also not be adjudged to have committed a foul. I’m just saying.

The Timbers managed 13 shots against the Pilots and controlled the tempo of the match. A goal, from anybody, would have been a nice way to cap off the evening, but all in good time when the matches really matter…

So, Timbers Offsiders, based upon what you have seen under the lights at Merlo Field, which player has really got your attention in the preseason? Being a 5′-6″-ish (recreational) midfielder myself, I tend to notice the short wingers, especially when they dribble really well and come back on defense. Alex Nimo is a lot of fun for me to watch. I also like the fact that when Tony McManus got mauled to the turf during the Red Bulls contest last week, he just kept scrapping until he got back to his feet. How ’bout you? I’d love to get your take on the Timbers three weeks in…